Gracious Outdoor Dining and Entertaining

Slide 1 Of Gracious Outdoor Dining and Entertaining

When the sun is shining, entertaining outdoors is a breeze. A pitcher of lemonade, a bit of shade, and a nicely set table is all it takes to make dining alfresco a treat to be savored.

French doors from this California home’s living room lead to the terrace and backyard, where several seating areas are tucked among shrubs and grasses. The natural setting around the home is dotted with fig, lemon, apple, orange, and nectarine trees.

A cozy log cabin in the Appalachian foothills affords scenic views from the screened front porch. French doors open up the formal dining room to the breezy porch, a favorite spot for casual dinners on cool summer nights. Wicker furniture and bare wooden beams enhance this rustic retreat.

A freestanding fireplace in the backyard adds drama against a wall of shrubbery. A diamond-patterned patio with grass in between the pavers complements the mantel’s elegance. A glazed garden stool stands in as a side table.

Iron lattice forms a gazebo planted with wisteria and jasmine to create a romantic outdoor dining area protected from the sun and wind. The pebbled terrace adds interest to the floor, while the chairs and lattice lend texture to the space. An iron chandelier lights the table from above.

Colorful canvas chairs and an effortlessly draped table built for a crowd create the perfect setting for a casual dinner or fireside chat. Appliances and counter space designed to withstand the elements make food preparation easy.

Elegant and eco-friendly, this patio set is made from recyclable aluminum and weather-resistant fabrics, which are easy to clean and do not emit toxins. Hanging from a pergola overhead, a decorative lantern with bells forms a charming wind chime.

Even in decidedly damp Portland, Oregon, entertaining in the open air can be stylish and thoroughly enjoyable. On this second-story deck, elegant black-and-white stripes stand out against a natural backdrop of pine, birch, coastal redwood, and Italian cypress trees. The classic grid pattern on the chairs flows well with the striped Sunbrella fabric and the floor’s diamond design.

Dining outdoors can be as easy as tossing together a few pillows and a decorative table. Tucked between tall hedges, durable outdoor fabrics in electric hues capture the imagination. The table settings are just as colorful as the seating, so guests can fully embrace the Moroccan style.

An island home in Chesapeake Bay is an ideal location for a classic dinner party, particularly one hosted in a blue-and-white screened porch overlooking the Magothy River. A navy glass lantern anchors the circular space, and white wicker furniture adds to the preppy vibe.

Sunlight filters through a pergola covering a lush courtyard, complete with outdoor barbecue, water fountain, and dining area. The outdoor haven helps to maximize the space of this Los Angeles home. Colorful seat cushions and pillows complement the red brick and vibrant greenery.

Girly Venetian chandeliers hang above a long dining table decked out in mouth-watering pinks and peaches. The Seattle-area rooftop terrace houses perennial, rose, and herb gardens, ten different types of fruit trees, and several varieties of wisteria and honeysuckle.

“We entertain out here from April to October,” says homeowner and entertaining guru Heather Christothoulou. “Often the party will extend into the evening, so we added an outdoor fireplace for chillier weather.”